Designer Show House Opens June 18

CAPE MAY — The Fairthorne Cottage, 115 Ocean St., is ready to open its doors as Cape May’s sixth annual Designer Show House, co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC) and South Jersey House & Home.
The historic bed and breakfast merged with 21st century designers, suppliers and contractors to create this year’s inspiring Cape May Designer Show House open from June 18 through Jan. 2, 2011.
Both Gothic and Stick Style architectural elements are evident at the Fairthorne Cottage, which is actually a combination of two separate houses. The rear house was built in 1830 and was moved from Lafayette Street, while the front of the house was added in 1880.
Enos Williams is credited as the architect and builder. Striking architectural elements at the cottage include the exterior tower in the front of the property, double parlors, and completely restored fireplaces.
Named after Frederick Fairthorne, one of the original owners of the property along with his business partner, John C. Bullitt (Cape May’s mega-developer of the Victorian period), the three-story bed and breakfast in the heart of Cape May’s Historic District is currently owned by MAC Board President Diane Hutchinson and her husband, Ed. The upper floor of the cottage will remain fully operational and continue to serve as a retreat for guests during its time as the Designer Show House.
The first floor and grounds of the house have been renovated and transformed by designers and will be open for tour. This year’s Designer Show House’s contractors, designers, and suppliers have given the B&B a new floor plan, a completely redesigned kitchen with new cabinetry, fresh coats of paint, new wallpaper, and improved outdoor living spaces. There are 10 designer spaces, which include an enclosed front porch, powder room, living room, dining room, and kitchen, among others.
This year’s Cape May Designer Show House will be open for daily self-guided tours from June 18 through Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays to Fridays, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each visitor will receive a full-color program book with information about the designers, products and vendors. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children (ages 3-12).
Tours of the Designer Show House can be combined with lunch and dinner packages and special events. See the Designer Show House decked out in holiday style through Cape May’s Christmas season, Nov. 19 to Jan. 2, 2011. During the holiday season, tours are available daily from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and plus Thursday and Friday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Proceeds benefit the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities (MAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage.
For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278 or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.